Graduation Rate Out for SCHS

Stephens County High School sees its graduation rate come in above the state average, though it is down from last year.

This week, the Georgia Department of Education released its 2016 Graduation Rates.

In 2016, Stephens County High School had a graduation rate of 86.9 percent.

That is higher than the state average of 79.2 percent, but down slightly from the 2015 graduation rate for Stephens County High School of 91.2 percent.

Sandy Steele works in administration for the Stephens County School System and was the principal at Stephens County High School last year.

He said he appreciates the hard work of everyone in the system in achieving a graduation rate above the state average.

“Teachers, staff, everyone involved from the Board all the way down make these numbers happen,” said Steele. “The number is a person and we are glad for the work they do.”

Steele went on to note that the graduation rate is not just a reflection of the high school, but of the entire system.

“It is not the high school graduation rate, it is the system graduation rate,” said Steele. “All of those influences from Pre-K on up play a part in fi they are going to complete school or be one of those that choose another route. We are glad to be above the state average, but we are not going to be satisfied until we hit 100 percent and that is certainly within the realm of possibility and we are going to do everything we can to make that happen.”

Steele does note that the school system is reviewing the data that was submitted because of possible difference that could result in an adjustment to these numbers.

Looking at other area counties, Franklin County had an 87.5 percent graduation rate, Habersham Central High School had a 91.2 percent graduation rate, Banks County had a 92.3 percent graduation rate, and Mountain Education Charter High School had a 16.6 percent graduation rate.